George Austin Barnett, 80

George Austin Barnett, 80, died Friday Aug. 11, 2006, at Healthcenter Northwest in Kalispell. He was born Feb. 9, 1926, in Winnet, the son of Harry Austin and Grace Evelyn (Gallagher) Barnett.

George was drafted from high school in 1944 out of his junior year, into the U.S. Army during World War II. He was discharged in 1945 at the end of the war. He came back to Winnet to finish his schooling and graduated, receiving his GED.

Before his marriage to Carol Janice Frey on Feb. 9, 1955, in Havre, he worked as a ranch hand and on land-based oil rigs throughout the area.

In 1966, he moved with his family to the Flathead and worked as a power-line worker. He also worked on the Libby Dam and later worked for the aluminum plant in Columbia Falls.

He was a member of the National Rifle Association. He loved fishing, hunting, camping and gardening. He also enjoyed baseball and being around his grand and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew and associated with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Edwin and Ray Barnett.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Barnett, of Kalispell; four children, Ronald Barnett of Kalispell, Wanda Freese of Columbia Falls, and Lester Barnett and Lonnie Barnett, also of Kalispell; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Leroy Barnett, of Billings; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell. Visitation will take place at Johnson Mortuary from 9 a.m. on 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16.

The family suggests memorials go to Home Options, Hospice 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901; or Montana State Veterans Home, P.O. Box 250, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for George's family.